Sedans may be a dying breed, but models like the Nissan Altima continue to be a solid, and affordable option for motorists who don't want or need a Crossover or SUV.The current generation Altima has been around since 2019, and in car years that's a long time. But that bodes well for reliability and it also means that the interior isn't just one big screen forcing you to tap through several screens to access the most basic functions. Unfortunately, this model is set to be discontinued after the 2027 model year.But that doesn't make it a bad buy, and thanks to regular updates and refinements, the Altima has kept in step with more modern rivals. For 2026 the range has been streamlined to just a handful of trim levels, and we delve into each one to find out which offers the best value for money.Nissan Altima RecapNissanEngine2.5-liter inline-fourPower (FWD)188 hpTorque (FWD)180 lb-ft0-60 mph Time8.0 seconds estDrivetrainFront-Wheel Drive (FWD) or All-Wheel Drive (AWD)TransmissionCVT (Continuously Variable Transmission)Base MSRP$27,580The Nissan Altima is not a sports car. It's also not a luxury vehicle. What it is, though, is a refreshingly honest take on a traditional family sedan. The CVT transmission drones when you are pressing on, and the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine runs out of puff at speed, but that's not what the Altima is about. At city speeds, and when cruising on the highway, the transmission/engine combination is unobtrusive and very effective, delivering superb economy without resorting to complex hybrid setups.The handling is also decent, as is the ride, while the available AWD layout is ideal for slippery roads or winter driving. For 2026 the range has been shrunk down, and the turbocharged engine was discontinued last year, so now the only decision you have to make is how much standard equipment you want and whether AWD is worth the extra cost.2026 Nissan Altima Trims2025 Nissan Altima SV Special EditionNissanTrim LevelSVSV Special EditionSRSR Midnight EditionBase MSRP$27,580 (FWD) $29,080 (AWD)$28,880 (FWD) $30,380 (AWD)$28,980(FWD) $30,480 (AWD)$30,980 (FWD) $32,480 (AWD)Wheels17-inch machine-finished17-inch gloss-black19-inch machine-finished19-inch gloss-blackInfotainment8-inch touchscreen with wired Smartphone Integration (Wireless optional)12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Smartphone Integration12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Smartphone Integration12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Smartphone IntegrationSeating8-way power adjustable driver's seat8-way power adjustable driver's seatLeatherette-wrapped steering wheel with paddle shifters + Sport cloth seat trimLeatherette-wrapped steering wheel with paddle shifters + Sport clothFeaturesOptional moonroofMoonroofSport-tuned suspensionSport-tuned suspensionThe price range between the cheapest and priciest trim spans $3,400, with AWD adding available on all trims for an additional $1,500.The base SV FWD comes in cheapest at $27,580. However, like most entry-level trims it is designed to make you spend a little bit more for the next trim up, in this case it is the SV Special Edition, which is just a little more.For the extra outlay you get several additional features, like a standard moonroof, 12.3-inch infotainment system with wireless instead of wired smartphone connectivity, and a few subtle visual enhancements, too. Somewhat confusingly, the base SV can be upgraded to the same spec with the $1,300 SV Special Edition Package or the all-in $3,000 SV Premium Package which adds just about every extra available but does remove the affordable aspect which is where the Altima's real value lies.The SR costs just $100 more than the SV Special Edition, and that is great value considering that you get 19-inch wheels, sport tuned suspension, sport cloth seats and paddle shifters as part of the deal.The SR Midnight Edition is listed as a separate trim, but it's essentially a package upgrade on the SR, and while it costs another $2,000, you don't get much more aside from exterior visual enhancements, a power moonroof, and dual-zone temp control.Higher trims also have access to leather trim, but this generally needs to be paired with a package so can get pricey. Advanced driver assist systems, and an upgraded Bose audio system are also available, but once again they require the addition of a package, which can add thousands to the base MSRP.So, Which Trim Is Best?NissanNissan's configurator lists four unique trims for the Altima, but upon closer inspection the SV Special Edition and SR Midnight Edition are just packages that can be added to the regular SV and SR models.As such, the SV Special Edition looks to be the best value, it adds several useful extras over the base SV spec and at $28,880 before destination charges and taxes, it's a lot of car for the money.The SR trim adds some sporty accessories, and opens up the exterior color palette, as well as allowing you to spec the $3,400 Premium Package which adds ProPilot Assist, a Bose audio system, heated front seats and steering wheel among a several other features, but once you add a two-tone exterior color ($950) and the $1,500 AWD system, the base price shoots up to $35,655 before taxes, which puts the Altima up against some tough competition.Before getting carried away with box ticking, it's worth remembering that the Nissan Altima is all about efficient daily-driver motoring, and as such opting for sporty equipment like 19-inch wheels, paddle shifters and sport suspension seems like a step in the wrong direction.We would stick with the SV Special Edition and only opt for the AWD system if you really need it. That will keep you at around $30,000 once you factor in the destination charges and taxes, which is great value for a spacious, frugal and relaxing daily driver.
